Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
If you’re renovating or building, chances are you’ve faced the question: laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood — which should I choose?
Both offer the look of wood at a more affordable price than solid hardwood. But the similarities end there. Laminate flooring is a manufactured product with a photographic image of wood, while engineered hardwood contains a real wood veneer. The decision between laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood comes down to cost, durability, style, and long-term value.
At Sandover Hardwood Floors, we’ve helped homeowners across Greater Vancouver weigh the pros and cons for decades. Here’s everything you need to know to make the right decision.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from compressed fiberboard topped with a photographic image of wood, covered by a protective wear layer. That makes it affordable, durable, and available in endless styles.
Pros:
Lower cost per square foot
Highly resistant to scratches and stains
Easy DIY installation with click-lock planks
Wide range of colors and patterns
Cons:
Doesn’t contain real wood
Cannot be refinished once damaged
Can swell with moisture if water seeps underneath
When comparing laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood, laminate wins on price and ease of installation but loses on authenticity and longevity.
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What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is constructed with a plywood or fiberboard base topped with a layer of real hardwood veneer. That means the surface you see and feel is genuine wood.
Pros:
Real wood look and feel, nearly indistinguishable from solid hardwood
Can be sanded and refinished (depending on veneer thickness)
More stable than solid wood in humid conditions
Increases home resale value
Cons:
More expensive than laminate
Can still be scratched or dented
Requires professional installation for best results
In the laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood debate, engineered hardwood wins when authenticity, value, and longevity matter most.
Cost Comparison: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Laminate flooring: $1–$4 per sq. ft. (materials), $2–$8 installed
Engineered hardwood: $4–$10 per sq. ft. (materials), $6–$15 installed
Laminate is significantly cheaper upfront, making it appealing for budget-conscious projects. However, engineered hardwood lasts decades longer and adds resale value, so its lifetime cost may be lower.
Explore hardwood refinishing options to extend lifespan
Durability: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Laminate flooring is highly scratch-resistant, which makes it a solid choice for pet owners and busy households. But once damaged, it can’t be repaired. Engineered hardwood may scratch more easily, but it can be refinished to look brand new.
If durability means handling rough-and-tumble daily life with minimal maintenance, laminate has the edge. If durability means decades of restoration and renewal, engineered hardwood takes the win.
Moisture Resistance: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Both outperform solid hardwood in moisture resistance, but with limits:
Laminate flooring resists spills on the surface, but if water seeps into seams, swelling and warping occur.
Engineered hardwood handles humidity changes better and is suitable for basements and kitchens, but prolonged exposure to standing water will still cause damage.
Appearance: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Technology has improved laminate’s look, but up close it can’t fully match the grain, warmth, and depth of real wood. Engineered hardwood, with its genuine veneer, delivers an authentic appearance that enhances resale value.
In the choice of laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood, your eyes (and future buyers) will almost always prefer the real thing.
Lifespan: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Laminate flooring lifespan: 10–20 years
Engineered hardwood lifespan: 20–100 years (with refinishing)
If you want flooring that grows with your home, engineered hardwood offers longevity that laminate simply can’t match.
Environmental Impact: Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
For eco-conscious homeowners, the sustainability of materials matters. When comparing laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood, the differences are clear:
Laminate flooring is made from synthetic materials and resins. While affordable, it isn’t biodegradable and can be harder to recycle.
Engineered hardwood uses real wood veneers, making it a more natural option. Many manufacturers now source wood from sustainable forests and use low-VOC adhesives and finishes.
If reducing your home’s carbon footprint is a priority, engineered hardwood is generally the greener choice.
Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between laminate flooring vs engineered hardwood, ask yourself:
Is cost your top priority? → Go laminate.
Do you want a real wood look that adds value? → Choose engineered hardwood.
Are you installing in a basement or humid area? → Engineered is more stable.
Do you want easy DIY installation? → Laminate wins.
For most homeowners, engineered hardwood is the better long-term investment, but laminate provides a strong budget alternative.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laminate Flooring vs Engineered Hardwood
Which lasts longer, laminate flooring or engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood lasts 20–100 years with proper care, while laminate flooring typically lasts 10–20 years.
Is laminate more water-resistant than engineered hardwood?
Laminate resists surface spills better but swells if water penetrates seams. Engineered hardwood handles humidity better and can be refinished if damaged.
Which is cheaper, laminate flooring or engineered hardwood?
Laminate flooring costs $1–$4 per sq. ft., while engineered hardwood averages $4–$10 per sq. ft. Materials and installation both cost more for engineered hardwood.
Can both be installed over radiant heating?
Yes, but always check manufacturer specifications. Engineered hardwood tends to perform better over radiant systems.
Which adds more resale value to a home, laminate flooring or engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood adds significantly more resale value since buyers recognize it as real wood. Laminate is seen as a budget option.
Ready for Beautiful Hardwood Floors?
For over 80 years, Sandover Floors has been restoring, refinishing, and installing hardwood across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. From Vancouver and Burnaby to Surrey, Langley, and Chilliwack, we bring craftsmanship, care, and premium finishes to every project.
Whether your floors need a full restoration, a fresh refinish, or custom staining to match your style, our team makes the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Homeowners have trusted us since 1939 to protect their investment and transform their living spaces with hardwood floors that last.
Metro Vancouver: 778-650-5108
Fraser Valley: 778-771-5571